Happy Birthday George Washington!

Day 40:
Did you know that George was actually born on February 11? During his life time we switched from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar, thus with the change his birthday was actually February 22. Some years he would actually celebrate both days! :) He would journal sometimes and date it O.S. which stands for "Old Style" before the switch.

Anyway. I look around DC and everything is named after George, but it saddens me that so few people know about him and his great character! The founding fathers created our government because they know that man is imperfect and needs limitations. George was no exception to realizing this belief and it caused him to lead a humble life. On the other hand, having the appearance of a strong leader during wartime was extremely important to him. While some leaders want to be "one of the men" (also can be admirable), George made sure he looked the part. In the cold harsh winters of the Revolution, it was so very important that someone walk with a confident demeanor!

Up until 1976, the highest possible rank in the United States Army was the General of the Armies and this was only held by two people: John Pershing (WWI) and George Washington. In 1976, however, President Ford and Congress decided that George Washington should always be the most senior United States military officer forever outranking the rest. So the legislation passed:

Whereas Lieutenant General George Washington of Virginia commanded our armies throughout and to the successful termination of our Revolutionary War;
Whereas Lieutenant General George Washington presided over the convention that formulated our Constitution;
Whereas Lieutenant General George Washington twice served as President of the United States of America; and
Whereas it is considered fitting and proper that no officer of the United States Army should outrank Lieutenant General George Washington on the Army list: Now, therefore, be it


Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That

(a) for purposes of subsection (b) of this section only, the grade of General of the Armies of the United States is established, such grade to have rank and precedence over all other grades of the Army, past or present.

(b) The President is authorized and requested to appoint George Washington posthumously to the grade of General of the Armies of the United States, such appointment to take effect on July 4, 1976.

My dad read that the other day and I thought it was pretty neat. Picture of the day is a great post card Ralph sent me for George's birthday. I absolutely love it and it is now prominently displayed in my room :)